This is a unique passage of Scripture in light of the ever increasing number of church members who believe it is alright for them to take a "social drink", have an intoxicating beverage.

On the radio recently, a long time Bible-believing Bible teacher made the statement that he saw nothing wrong with a Christian having a "social drink". This Radio Bible teacher, the voice of a great, long time ministry, I believe went against not only the Word of God but against the spirit of the Word.

The writer of Proverbs addressed the issue head on. He writes to us to not be "among the winebibbers". Some may say, "I'm not a drunkard". If that is your response, please keep reading through our entire devotional and the extended reading for today, especially the last 7 verses.

The writer reveals the lifestyle of one who "tarries long at the wine", verse 30. Please notice verse 31. The exhortation is "to not even look at the wine when it is red, when it is moving in the cup". In other words, when the "juice of the vine', the grape juice, in a cup starts to move, the grape juice has fermented and thus it is intoxicating. It is at that time one should not partake of this intoxicating beverage.

There is an interesting restriction that is placed upon the "kings of Israel" found in the last chapter of Proverbs. Proverbs 31:4-5 reveals that Kings cannot drink wine, intoxicating liquid. The reason is that a King that drinks intoxicating beverages would forget the law and pervert their judgment of matters pertaining to the King's subjects.

Our key verse for our reading today has an interesting connection to a prophetic passage for the last days. Zechariah 12:2 refers to Jerusalem as a "cup of trembling" which is "apocalyptic literature". In apocalyptic literature, the writer of Scripture is using a "symbol" to communicate an absolute truth.

In light of our key verse, verse 31, a "cup of trembling" would mean that Jerusalem will be "intoxicating" to those who control it in the last days. Those who have control of Jerusalem and in particular the Temple Mount, are, and will be intoxicated with that power as we move closer to the return of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem to build His temple on the Temple Mount.

Such is the description of the situation at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem today. Moslems control the Temple Mount, which is the most sacred piece of real estate to both Jews and Christians in the entire universe. These Moslems have become "intoxicated" with that power. Bible prophecy is moving very close to complete fulfillment.

PRAYER THOT: Thank You, Lord, for instructions for my daily life and the standard I should keep as I await Your soon return to earth.